Lately I've felt like I needed more protein in my day. I've turned to something that I read about in Prevention Magazine 15 years ago -- a tofu-orange drink. It's a bit like an orange Julius in flavor, more so with added sweetening.
to make one drink, I use:
4 1/2 ounces of tofu, rinsed
6 ounces of orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
honey, stevia, or sugar (optional)
Whirl all ingredients in a blender and serve.
The texture is smoothest, and flavor the mildest, if using silken or soft tofu. However, firm tofu has a higher protein content, so I often opt for that, and just "deal" with the texture.
For one glass of tofu-orange beverage I get 11 grams of protein (that's equal to almost 2 boiled eggs, or 1 chicken drumstick), 273 mg of calcium (about the same as in a cup of milk), 4 mg iron (the same as in about 2/3 cup of cooked spinach), and 540 mg potassium (about the same as in 1 1/4 bananas).
It's just what I need to get through the afternoon slump. The taste is good and it's easy to make. One serving costs about 60 cents in my kitchen (most of the cost is the tofu).
I know soy is a controversial food for many people. If it's not your thing, I understand. If it works for you, here's another way to use it.
